Veradale United Church of Christ An Open & Affirming Congregation Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!” Sunday, July 23, 2023• 10:30 a.m. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 10:20 Gathering and Prelude Wayne Shull, Music Director Charlie Salt, AV and Scripture Reader Joe McSwain, AV and Usher Jerry Brines, Usher Laila Buse, Candle Lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor 10:30am Land Acknowledgement We worship on the unceded traditional territory of the Spokane, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Coeur d’Alene, and other tribes. We acknowledge the history of indigenous genocide, removal, and erasure that continues to this day. We recognize the role that Christian communities played in these injustices, and we recommit ourselves to seeking more peaceful, just, and neighborly ways of sharing this land with all who call it home. Worship begins God is one . . . all the time! All the time . . . God is one! Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ *Hymn: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” 472 (NCH) Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near. When my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call. Hold my hand lest I fall: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When the shadows appear and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone, at the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. Community Prayer Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 547 (NCH) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Prayers of Gratitude T’was grace that taught my heart to fear and grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Prayers of Concern Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come ‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. Silent prayer My God has promised good to me, whose word my hope secures; God will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Lord’s Prayer Response: Sing Amen (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, we praise your name, O, God A Time of Offering An Invitation to Share Meet Me Moment Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground” CCLI license #11038266 We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on holy ground. Dedication Prayer Loving God, we offer these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May they be multiplied to fulfill your vision of a just and compassionate life. Amen. Listening for God Message with Young Hearts: When do you know that someone is grown-up? Job1:6-12 NRSUE (from Biblegateway.com) One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and the accuser (the satan) also came among them. The Lord said to the accuser, “Where have you come from?” The accuser answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” Then the accuser[f]answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!” So the accuser went out from the presence of the Lord. Matthew 4:1-11 NRSUE (from Biblegateway.com) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil.He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Message: The Adversary, the Tempter, and Responsibility Silence Announcements Our Light moves into the World God Loves *Hymn: “God of the Ages, Who with Sure Command” 592 (NCH) God of the ages, who with sure command brought forth in beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor through the skies, our grateful songs before your throne arise. Your purpose, just, envisions morals free; God, set our path toward human liberty. Still be our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay-your Word our law, your paths our chosen way. From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence, with steadfast care be ever our defense; Your love and faith within our hearts increase; with bounteous goodness nourish us in peace. Refresh your people on life's toil-some way; lead us from night to never ending day; With truth and love guide us through error's maze, and we shall give you glory, laud, and praise. Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.
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